Kate Van Doren Verified listing

The foundation of my work lies in capturing the struggle and strength at the core of the human experience. Through my art, I collaborate with individuals to reclaim narratives, transforming stories of adversity into expressions of empowerment and resilience. Much of my work focuses on women participating in the Healing Words Project, a platform where art serves as a catalyst for healing and reclaiming personal power.

Each piece is a collaborative process that unfolds over months, sometimes years, as we work together to conceptualize a visual representation of their journey. This thoughtful approach ensures that my inspirations are fully heard and seen, offering them a meaningful way to share their experiences of what it means to be a woman. A strength-based narrative dialogue, incorporating personal mantras, becomes an integral part of the art-making process—helping to redefine identity through empowerment.

The healing power of nature plays a significant role in my work, offering a sense of renewal and grounding within the creative process. Nature’s presence serves as both a metaphor and a tangible force that supports moving through life’s challenges. Through contemporary realism, I strive to explore the complexities of the human condition, creating a bridge between my inspirations, the viewer, and the natural world.

My goal is to create work that not only honors the stories of others but also allows viewers to see themselves reflected in these journeys—to recognize their own struggles and resilience, and to understand that healing is possible for all.

I am deeply committed to the transformative capacity of art and its ability to foster connection, healing, and self-discovery. My current series focuses on the remarkable women of the Healing Words Project, honoring their wisdom.

The key themes in Kate's work include:

Resilience & Empowerment – Highlighting strength through adversity and the reclamation of personal narratives.
Healing & Transformation – Exploring the emotional and psychological process of overcoming trauma.
Human Connection – Emphasizing shared experiences, identity, and the power of storytelling.
Nature as a Metaphor – Using organic elements to symbolize renewal, grounding, and personal growth.
Social Justice & Human Rights – Addressing marginalized voices and advocating for visibility and change.

Kate's inspirations include:

Women’s Stories – Real-life experiences of strength, survival, and self-discovery, particularly from the Healing Words Project.
Art Therapy – Your background informs your process, creating a healing and reflective space for subjects and viewers.
Personal Mantras – Words of affirmation and empowerment integrated into your work.
Contemporary Realism – Combining classical techniques with modern perspectives to capture raw emotion.
Historical & Cultural Narratives – Honoring traditions, identities, and voices often overlooked in art history.
Kate's art work serves as both a mirror and a bridge—inviting viewers to reflect on their own resilience while connecting to the greater human experience.

~Over two decades as a board-certified art therapist, working with trauma survivors, at-risk youth, individuals with severe mental illness, and hospice patients.
~Founder of the Healing Words Project, documenting the healing journeys of over 2,000 women.
~Exhibited in galleries and museums across the U.S., Europe, and Mexico.
~Featured in Art Basel Miami, Fine Art Connoisseur, American Art Collector, PoetsArtists, Mod Portrait, and the Art Renewal Center among other publications.
~Finalist in the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize.
~2nd Place winner in the prestigious FIKVA international painting award.
~Finalist in the Art Renewal Center (ARC) competitions in 2022 and 2024.
~1st Place Artist of the Year award from the Circle Foundation for the Arts.
~Work included in the Peregrine Collection, a digitized art and literature time capsule sent to the moon.